27 May 5 Tips to Improve the Energy Efficiency of Your Home
Energy costs are rising across Europe and while government officials say they’re working to solve the problem, no one knows how long it will take before a viable solution is presented. So, your best bet now is to figure out ways to reduce how much electricity you consume daily. By doing so, you reduce how much you spend on energy, and when the government eventually acts, you save even more money.
Furthermore, improving the energy efficiency of your home is good for the environment. And by implementing some changes, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and do your part in curbing global warming. Here are 5 tips to help you get started:
Start with your heater
Space heaters consume more electricity than any other home appliance, and if you want to reduce your consumption, that’s the logical place to start. You can improve the energy efficiency of your heater by carrying out regular maintenance checks on them. This needs to be done by a professional and an annual check should do the trick. However, every three months, you need to replace the filters to help the heater work better and consume less energy.
Get some energy-saving light fixtures
Getting energy-saving bulbs is one of the simplest and least expensive ways to reduce your home’s electricity consumption. Just by switching from incandescent light bulbs to LEDs, you can reduce how much energy your bulbs consume by about 75%. Furthermore, fixtures made using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are designed to last much longer (over 25,000 hours) than the filament-based ones (1,000 hours), so you end up saving money over time.
Seal all leaks
If your home is not sealed tightly, you’ll lose heat or cold through the loose spaces. That means your heater and air cooling system have to work harder to regulate the temperature indoors. This leads to higher energy consumption. You can do a quick test now by holding a candle around the edges of your door or windows. If the flame flickers, you’re losing heat/cold. To solve this, get some caulking and weatherstripping material to seal the leaks.
Regulate the temperature with a smart thermostat
If used correctly, a smart thermostat can significantly reduce the cooling and heating costs of your home. These devices can be programmed to understand your habits and subsequently, adjust how cold or hot your home is based on your needs. For instance, if you usually turn down the heat just before you go to bed at 9:30 pm, after some time, the thermostat will start doing it for you automatically. And since it can be controlled from a smartphone, you can easily change the setting if you need to.
Install energy-efficient windows
One long-term solution that homes in Europe are starting to adopt is the use of energy-efficient windows. These fixtures are very effective for reducing electricity usage and they ensure you don’t lose any heat during winter, or cold during summer. Additionally, they are made with high-quality material, from frame to glass, and the best ones prevent UV rays from penetrating your home. These windows are also stylish and aesthetically pleasing, so your home won’t lose any of its curb appeals.
If you live in the Algarve region of Portugal and need to install energy-efficient windows, TJ Projects is a leading supplier and installer in the area. To discuss your renovation needs or get an estimate, call +351 918 348 898 or send an email to info@tj-projects.com.